Governor Haslam Announces Transportation Grant for Town of Henning

Tuesday, August 07, 2012 | 03:56am

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner John Schroer announced today the award of a $312,107 transportation enhancement grant to the town of Henning to fund Phase I of the Streetscape Improvements Project.

The project, which is located on Main Street from Haley Street to McFarland Avenue, includes changes to parking to better separate vehicles from pedestrian traffic. It will also feature decorative stamped crosswalks, trees and landscaping, park benches, bicycle racks, and pedestrian lighting. New signage and decorative sign posts will also be added.

“Downtowns are the heart of the community, and this project is the beginning of Henning’s efforts to revitalize and enhance the character of its downtown,” Haslam said. “The project will greatly improve safety for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.”

The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by TDOT.

“Through Transportation Enhancement grants, TDOT has funded more than $270 million in non-traditional transportation projects,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “This program has assisted communities all over the state in their efforts to revitalize downtowns, highlight historic areas, provide alternative means of transportation, and increase opportunities for economic development.”

A variety of activities such as the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping and other non-traditional transportation projects are eligible for grant funds under the federal program.

State Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville) and State Representative Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley) represent Lauderdale County in the Tennessee General Assembly.